How to Move Everything from iPhone to a New iPhone

--Friday, Jan.06, 2017

"My boyfriend bought me an iPhone 7 plus, and it's coming in two days. I was wondering if there is any way to help me transfer my photos, videos, contacts and other content from my iPhone 6s to iPhone 7 plus? Thanks for your help."

- Posted on Reddit

When I saw this post for the first time, I could hear myself yelling in my mind that why don't I have such a boyfriend? By the way, many users would get into trouble with the issue how to transfer data from an iPhone to a new iPhone when they upgrade their iPhone models. Now, this problem has been quite a trouble for most iPhone 7/7 Plus owner. Is there possible to move everything from iPhone to a new iPhone? The answer is totally yes. You can restore iPhone backups to a new iPhone, use AirDrop to transfer data between iPhones or in a fast way, try iPhone Transfer to export content from one iPhone to another.

Method 1: A Trick on Utilizing an iTunes or iCloud Backup

The first method is strongly recommended to those who have not yet set up their newly-purchased iPhone, since data recovery from an iTunes/iCloud backup would overwrite and erase current content on target device. Though this method might be the most used one, I would rather repeat it again in case that someone might be unknown.

Backup via iTunes and iCloud:

iTunes: Connect old iPhone to iTunes and head to "File" > "Devices" > "Back Up Now".

Step 3. Tap on "Restore from iTunes Backup" or "Restore from iCloud Backup".

Step 4. Follow the instructions and wait until the process completes.

Note that if your iPhone has been set up, just connect it to iTunes and follow "File" > "Devices" > "Restore from backup", or try iPhone Data Recovery so as to avoid erasing data currently stored on new iPhone.

If you've set up and used your new iPhone, please go ahead to read the following methods.

iPhone Transfer is a notable software for data transfer, which allows users to export or import data from/to iDevice if necessary. Selectively or by one-click, you are able to transfer data between iPhones such as Photos, Contacts, Movies, Songs, TV Show, Podcasts, iTunes U and so on.

You might try the free version of iPhone Transfer at first. Launch the program and get both of your iPhones associated with it via USB cables. When detected, the two devices will be showed on the interface.

Step 2. Selectively or With One-Click Transfer Files from iPhone to Another

As you can see from the left panel, there are quite a few types of data available. Please click one of the items, but it takes seconds to load. After that, you can preview/play various types of data in detail and move files to another iPhone via "Export To" > "iPhone 7/7 Plus". Then, you can check out transferred data on the target iPhone.

If you're tired of the tedium of ticking up and exporting data one type after another, you should try the one-click way. On the main board or the toolkit screen, click "To iDevice" function. Then, confirm the target device and click "Start" to begin transferring process.

Method 3: Transfer Data from One iPhone to Another via AirDrop

What is AirDrop?

AirDrop uses Bluetooth to create a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi network between the devices. It supports to airdrop Photo, Video, Notes, Contacts, Safari, and Voice Memos from iPhone to other iOS devices. However, AirDrop cannot transfer a bunch of data at a time.

How to Use AirDrop on iPhones?

Step 1. Enable AirDrop on Both iPhones

Above all, swipe up from the button of bezel and launch "Control Center". Now, tap "AirDrop" and choose between "Contacts Only" and "Everyone". Then, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth will be automatically turned on when AirDrop is enabled.

Step 2. Tap to AirDrop Data to Another iPhone

Please open the app of supported data on source iPhone and select one item. Now, tap "Share" button. Then, a window will pop up. The target iPhone will be detected and show in the middle of the pop-up. Please choose the icon and tap "Accept" on another iPhone. Later on, selected file will be exported.

Comparison: Pros and Cons Among Three Methods

If you're hesitated which one to give it a shot. Please check out the following table and make your choice.

Personally, I recommend you try the first method when your iPhone is not used. As for iPhone Transfer and AirDrop, you can choose one of them according to different cases. When you don't need to transfer a lot of data or want to transfer Notes, Safari and Voice Memos, AirDrop would be a better choice for you. However, if there are a bunch of data waiting to be transferred, iPhone Transfer meets your demand.